November Events in Birmingham

While it might be a week for trick or treating, here’s the low-down on what’s happening in the Ham in November. Good news – if you’re wanting to get a jump-start on buying those Christmas presents, there’s several festivals and opportunities to do so this month. And Down in the Ham is at three of them – Gifted, Pepper Place on the 4th, and the East Lake Art Show, so we hope to see you this month!

If you want to purchase jewelry, clothing, Christmas decorations, and other goods while simultaneously supporting ministries that fight human trafficking and encourage adoption, check out Gifted. I went two year and came out with several Christmas presents for folks as well as an Advent calendar that I love, and Down in the Ham will have a booth there this year.

From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., watch artists working around The Summit in this sidewalk chalk art festival, and stop at the Saks Plaza to pick up your chalk art map and voting card as well as to shop from special vendors and to enjoy the Kids Zone.

Cost: Admission is free. All Light the Night walkers are encouraged to raise $100 or more to help fight blood cancer.

During this 0.75 mile walk around the park, walkers will carry illuminated lanterns in order to support and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Survivors carry white lanterns, supporters carry red lanterns, and others will carry gold lanterns in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

One Friday a month this fall, Ross Bridge is hosting a themed market with November’s theme being a Craft Market, focusing on local handmade Alabama goods, fresh Alabama produce, food trucks, and activities for the kiddos.

East Lake Art Show (November 11)

Location: Art Town at East Lake Station (7611 1st Ave. N.)

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join Birmingham Art Crawl artists and peruse (and purchase) their wares. There will also be a poetry reading and performances from the local Sister City Connection collective.

Did you know that Birmingham has the oldest Veterans Day in the country? It started in 1947 because of the efforts of Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran. This year, there will be a 20 minute fireworks show put on by Vulcan Park & Museum that will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Ride the North Pole Express with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves on this magical journey through the North Pole. Each person gets a keepsake, chocolate milk and cookies, and can take a picture with Santa. You’ll also be able to sing Christmas songs and listen to a special Christmas story.

Watch this shark-tank style business pitch competition that’s presented by PNC and hosted by REV Birmingham. Numerous local business such as Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Feast & Forest, Ghost Train Brewing Company, and others have participated and gotten the opportunity to win startup money needed to launch their business. The audience will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for this year’s People’s Choice Award. To meet this year’s finalists, click here.